The impenetrable forest reserve was gazetted in 1942, up graded to the Bwindi impenetrable national park in 1992 and recognised as a world heritage site in 1994. In the local Lukiga language, a Bwindi actually means ‘impenetrable’. This double warning is apt, for Bwindi is all but impenetrable; 327 sq km of tangled vegetation draped over a deeply fissured landscape of steep, slippery valleys and high, draughty ridges. But if the terrain is far from easy to negotiate, it is well worth the effort. A trek through this, one of Africa’s most ancient rain forests, in search of the endangered mountain gorilla, ranks among the world’s premier wildlife encounters.
Bwindi can be cold especially in the morning and at night. The annual average temperature range is 7 degrees to 20 degrees Celsius with the coldest period being June and July. Warm clothing is required, plus wet weather gear since Bwindi receives up to 2390mm of rain/year. This is concentrated during two wet seasons, short rains in March to May and heavy rains in September to November. Instead of short tropical deluges, rain in Bwindi often falls as long hours of soft drizzle.
ACTIVITIES NOT TO BE MISSED IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
Buhoma; Bwindi’s tourism site is Buhoma on the northern edge of the forest. It is the trail head for gorilla tracking within the three gorilla groups and a wide range of accommodation is available. Though gorilla tracking is the main attraction, a range of other walks provide more relaxed opportunities to spot birds and monkeys while exploring one of uganda’s loveliest rain forests. These walks can be arranged to depart in the morning at 09:00 and in the after noon at 14:15.
- Munyanga river trail in the valley below buhoma provides an ideal short walk to view birds and primates along the forest edge.
- Waterfall trail leads through one of uganda’s most pristine tracts of rain forest, passing beneath tree ferns, epiphytic ferns and orchids to visit three sparkling waterfalls.
- Rushura hill trail provides expansive views across the plains of the western rift valley to the west and (on clear days) lake Edward and the rwenzori to the north.
- Muzabajiro loop trail climbs to the summit of rukubira hill for breathtaking views of Bwindi forest, the western rift valley and the virunga volcanoes
- River Ivi trail follows an old road through beautiful forest emerging near Nkuringo on the southern edge of the forest. It is highly recommended for bird watchers.
Buhoma community walk and cultural performances; the local community operates a village life. Sites visited included a typical homestead, the traditional healer and a banana beer brewery. Local dance groups also perform traditional dance and music in the evenings by arrangements. Proceeds from these events are used for community development projects.
Nkuringo; as the crow flies, Buhoma is just 10 km from Bwindi’s second gorilla tracking location at Nkuringo on the southern edge of the forest. However this distance is covered by the impenetrable forest and the lovely walk between the two sites takes at least four hours. The Nkuringo trail head lies on the isolated Nteko ridge which enjoys grandstand views across Bwindi forest to the north and towards the Virunga volcanoes in the south.
Gorilla tracking is the primary activity at Nkuringo. Visitors should be fit as the park boundary lies in a steep valley 600m below the road. This provides good exercise before and after tracking gorillas.
Nkuringo community walk; villagers at Nkuringo operate a community walk that visits a traditional healer, rural homestead, blacksmith, and brewers.
Ruhija; visitors with their own vehicles should consider crossing the centre of the park from Buhoma park headquarters through Ruhija (a 4WD is essential). This ridge top route offers vistas into deep valleys containing undisturbed rainforest. Watch out for duiker, primates and both forest and grassland bird species. At Ruhija, birders should take the 3-4 hikes to visit the Mubwindi swamp. Visitors may also climb through the bamboo zone to find afro-montane vegetation and panoramic views towards Lake Bunyonyi and Mafuga forest.